Post by : Shakul
Two Indian seafarers were killed and another remains missing after the oil tanker Settebello came under attack by U.S. forces near the coast of Oman, triggering diplomatic concern and renewed attention on maritime security in the Gulf region. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States.
According to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), the deceased sailors were identified as Aditya Sharma, a deck cadet, and Shivanand Chaurasiya, an engine fitter. Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh remains unaccounted for and search efforts are continuing. Earlier reports had stated that all three crew members were missing following the attack.
The vessel, carrying a multinational crew, was reportedly struck by what U.S. Central Command described as “precision munitions.” American authorities claimed that the tanker had violated an ongoing blockade by attempting to transport Iranian oil. The strike has sparked concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes operating in the region.
A total of 21 Indian seafarers aboard the tanker were rescued following the attack. Emergency teams and maritime authorities coordinated efforts to evacuate survivors and assess the extent of the damage sustained by the vessel. The rescued crew members are receiving assistance while investigations continue.
The Indian government strongly condemned the attack and expressed concern over the loss of Indian lives. In response, New Delhi summoned U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks and lodged what officials described as a strong diplomatic protest regarding the incident.
The tragedy has raised fresh questions about the risks faced by civilian merchant vessels operating in conflict-prone waters. Industry experts have warned that escalating military tensions in the Gulf could further threaten international shipping lanes and endanger thousands of seafarers working aboard commercial vessels.
As investigations continue, families of the affected crew members await answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack. The incident has intensified calls for greater protection of civilian shipping and stricter safeguards to prevent commercial vessels from becoming casualties of geopolitical conflicts.
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